Free Airport Transfer | 6-Day Rocky Mountaineer Scenic Train Tour from Vancouver to Calgary | Visit Banff, Yoho, Jasper, Columbia Icefield & Five Iconic Lakes

Day 1: Vancouver – Kamloops: Board the train and step into a fairyland on earth

Vancouver

Kamloops

The Rocky Mountaineer

# Itinerary Arrangement:

The Rocky Mountaineer departs from Vancouver at 8:00 a.m. Please arrive at the train station at least 60 minutes in advance to complete relevant procedures – Destination: Kamloops

*Station Address: Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1755 Cottrell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2L8

The train departs at 8:00 a.m., traveling from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops in the inland heart of British Columbia. The scenery along the route changes dramatically throughout the day. You will pass the lush green farmlands of the Fraser Valley, traverse dense forests and winding river valleys surrounded by the peaks of the Coast Mountains and Cascade Range, before entering the arid inland region. Key scenic highlights include the rushing Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon, as well as sheer precipices and rockslide shelters along the Thompson River. Breakfast and lunch are served on board. The train travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops, where dedicated Rocky Mountaineer shuttles will transfer you to your local hotel in Kamloops for check-in.

## Important Notes:

This day’s itinerary is self-guided and does not include Western Star tour guide services. For assistance, please contact the itinerary service hotline listed in your Tour Confirmation Document in advance.

The train departs promptly at 08:00 a.m. You must arrive at the station no less than 90 minutes early to complete check-in and baggage drop-off procedures (valid identification documents and your Rocky Mountaineer e-ticket are required for presentation).

If you are pre-staying at downtown Vancouver hotels such as Fairmont Waterfront or Pan Pacific Vancouver, you may reserve a complimentary shuttle bus to the Rocky Mountaineer Station in advance; be sure to contact us to secure your booking ahead of time.

No late passengers will be permitted to board, and the train will not wait for individuals. Please allocate ample travel time to reach the station.

Large luggage must be checked and cannot be carried onto the train as carry-on items. Checked baggage will be delivered directly to your overnight hotel in Kamloops.

Please keep essential items such as your passport/ID documents, valuables, camera, and daily medication with you as carry-on luggage.

This is a daytime sightseeing train with no sleeping berths, and no alighting stops will be arranged en route.

Breakfast and lunch are included on board. Please notify us in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.

Live commentary will be provided in English throughout the journey. There is no Wi-Fi on the train, and smoking is prohibited at all times on board!

Mountain weather is highly variable. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and bring a jacket to adapt to temperature fluctuations.

• Breakfast: Meals served on the train; Lunch: Meals served on the train; Dinner: At your own expense
• Standard Hotel in Kamloops
• Things to Know
  • Please complete boarding procedures, check in your luggage and attach tags indicating your final destination at least 60 to 90 minutes in advance.
  • There is no tour guide service on the train, and all narrations are provided in English.

Day 2: Kamloops to Banff: Farewell to the Train, Hello to the Rockies

Banff Town Area

The Rocky Mountaineer

# Itinerary:

Kamloops (Board the Rocky Mountaineer) – Check in at hotel in Banff

Depart from your hotel in Kamloops via dedicated Rocky Mountaineer shuttle to Kamloops Railway Station for group boarding procedures. Your journey continues east toward the towering Canadian Rockies into Alberta Province. You will travel across expansive ranches, alongside rocky lakeshores, over rugged mountain passes, and through historic tunnels of the Canadian Rockies railway, with endless breathtaking scenery along the way.

Key highlights of the day include Craigellachie, the site where the final spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. The train will pass through Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse River Valley and Spiral Tunnels, alongside glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Upon arriving at the resort town of Banff, your rail journey concludes. You will be transferred to a local hotel in Banff for overnight accommodation.

# Important Notes:

This day’s itinerary is self-guided with no Weststar tour guide service. Should you require assistance, please contact the travel service hotline stated in your Trip Confirmation Document in advance.

The train is scheduled to arrive in Banff Town at 18:00. Arrival may be earlier or delayed subject to operational conditions; we appreciate your understanding. A ground guide for the Rockies section will contact you in the evening to confirm the boarding time and location for the following day.

Late arrivals will not be permitted to board the train, which will not wait for individual passengers. Please ensure you leave ample time to reach the station.

Large luggage must be checked in and cannot be carried on board; checked luggage will be delivered directly to your overnight hotel.

Please keep essential items such as passports/identification documents, valuables, cameras and daily medication in your carry-on baggage.

This is a daytime sightseeing train with no sleeper berths; no stops for alighting will be arranged en route.

Breakfast and lunch are provided on board. Please notify us beforehand if you have any special dietary requirements.

English commentary is available throughout the trip. There is no Wi-Fi on the train, and smoking is prohibited at all times.

Mountain weather is changeable. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and a jacket is advised to cope with temperature fluctuations.

• Breakfast: Meals served on the train; Lunch: Meals served on the train; Dinner: At your own expense
• Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodge / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge in Banff Town or similar

Day 3: Banff - Sulphur Mountain - Johnston Canyon - Banff National Park

Banff National Park

The Fairmont Banff Springs

Sulphur Mountain

Bow Falls

Johnston Canyon

# Itinerary:

Banff – Banff Gondola (own expense, 90 mins) – Hoodoos (15 mins) – Bow Falls (15 mins) – Surprise Corner (15 mins) – Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Lunch (own expense; French bistro-style set meal available for additional booking, 90 mins) – Johnston Canyon (60 mins) – Check into hotel

In the morning, take a coach to Banff National Park and arrive at Sulphur Mountain, where you will board the Banff Gondola (own expense) for a 90-minute sightseeing session. As the gondola ascends slowly, admire the snow-draped mountain scenery surrounded by rolling peaks. Afterwards, head to the Hoodoos perched high above the Bow River bank for a 15-minute visit, then spend 15 minutes appreciating the magnificent Bow Falls. The waterfall surges downward with torrential white water rushing over black rock formations, creating a striking contrasting landscape reminiscent of a mighty river flowing eastward. Next, stop at Surprise Corner for 15 minutes to enjoy distant views of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River. You will then enter the Scottish castle-style Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for a 90-minute lunch break (own expense). After lunch, tour Johnston Canyon, one of the three major canyons in the Canadian Rockies, for 60 minutes. Walk along the trail up to the rushing waterfalls.

(If the scenic spot is closed due to maintenance or other force majeure factors, the visit will be replaced with Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.) Check into a hotel in Banff for the night.

• Breakfast: Optional add-on; Lunch: You may purchase the French bistro set meal at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel at your own expense; Dinner: At your own cost
• Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodge / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge in Banff Town or similar
• Things to Know
  • Gourmet set meals can be added upon request. **Lunch will feature bistro-style French cuisine at [Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel], blending Banff’s unique charm into every bite. A UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the Scottish castle architectural style, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel stands along the Bow River and serves as an iconic landmark of the Rocky Mountains.**
  • The arrival time in Banff is subject to change depending on the schedule of activities. We appreciate your understanding.

Day 4: Banff - Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Yoho National Park - Emerald Lake - Natural Bridge - Banff

Castle Mountain

Lake Louise

Moraine Lake

Emerald Lake

Yoho National Park

Emerald lake

Natural Bridge Banff

Banff Town Area

# Itinerary:

Banff - Lake Louise (75 mins) - Moraine Lake (60 mins) - Lunch at Lake Louise Village (at own expense; Grill & Bar set meals available for pre-order, 45 mins) - Emerald Lake (20 mins) - Natural Bridge (15 mins) - Banff

Depart the hotel early in the morning and head west along Highway 1. The steep and imposing Castle Mountain will come into view. Shortly after, you will reach Lake Louise, the most renowned lake in the Rocky Mountains. Bathed in sunlight, mineral-rich lake water shimmers with a mesmerizing sapphire blue, enclosed on three sides by the towering Victoria Glacier. Resembling a jade gem scattered among the mountains, it earns the moniker "Jewel of the Rockies". Looking back from the lakeshore, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise stands serenely amid pine forests, welcoming visitors. Afterwards, hike to the trailhead to see seasonal Moraine Lake*. Its vivid, clear turquoise waters reflect the jagged Ten Peaks. Standing at the overlook, you can take in the full panorama of lake and mountain scenery, losing all sense of time.

After leaving Moraine Lake, proceed to Lake Louise Village for lunch (at own expense; Chinese or Western plated meals available for pre-order). Post-lunch, continue westbound, passing the Spiral Tunnels built through the blood, sweat and toil of Canadian Pacific Railway workers to enter Yoho National Park. Arrive at the tranquil Emerald Lake, where red canoes stir ripples across the placid turquoise surface. Next, visit the Natural Bridge, carved over thousands of years by the flowing Kicking Horse River. The waterway, pine-cloaked mountains and shallow shoals combine to form a breathtaking natural painting. Overnight accommodation will be at a hotel in Banff Town.

*Moraine Lake: Seasonal access. Typical operating window runs from Victoria Day long weekend in May through late September/early October, subject to official notices from Parks Canada. If the lake is closed and inaccessible, the replacement attractions will be Lake Minnewanka (30 mins) and Two Jack Lake (15 mins). The mandatory admission fee for Moraine Lake will be waived in such cases.

• Breakfast: Optional add-on; Lunch: Optional self-paid add-on with Chinese or Western set menus available at Lake Louise Village; Dinner: At your own expense
• Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodge / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge in Banff Town or similar
• Things to Know
  • You may tick to add a food package if needed. **Lunch featuring Chinese or Western plated meals will be served at [Lake Louise Village Grill & Bar] in Lake Louise Village.**
  • The arrival time in Banff may be subject to change depending on the schedule of activity programs. We appreciate your understanding.

Day 5: Banff - Peyto Lake - Icefields Parkway - Snowcoach, Glacier Skywalk - Athabasca Falls - Jasper

The Glacier Skywalk

Columbia Icefield

Peyto Lake

Crowfoot Glacier

Rocky Mountain Icefields Parkway

Athabasca Falls

# Itinerary:

Banff - Crowfoot Glacier - Peyto Lake (30 mins) - Icefields Parkway - Lunch (at own expense; buffet lunch available for pre-order, 45 mins) - Ice Explorer & Skywalk (at own expense, 150 mins) - Athabasca Falls (30 mins) - Jasper, hotel check-in

Depart from your hotel in Banff in the morning, with views of Crowfoot Glacier along the way. You will then arrive at Peyto Lake. If the lake is closed due to scenic area maintenance or other force majeure events, Waterfowl Lake will be arranged as an alternative stop. This maple-leaf-shaped lake stretches like a turquoise ribbon embedded in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains. Afterwards, buffet lunch (at own expense) will be served at The Crossing. Continue along the scenic Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway, to the Icefield Centre. Board the Ice Explorer (at own expense) to travel across Athabasca Glacier and witness the accumulation of ice formed over millions of years. You may also walk along the 280-metre-high Skywalk (at own expense) to overlook the entire Sunwapta Valley; when mist and clouds roll in, you will feel as if you are strolling among the clouds. Later, visit Athabasca Falls, a 23-metre waterfall carved by glacial meltwater erosion. Finally, drive to your accommodation hotel in Jasper Town.

*Operating hours for Ice Explorer and Skywalk (at own expense): May 1 to October 12.*

Starting October 13, the tour will only stop at the scenic spots without the optional Ice Explorer and Skywalk activities.

On clear weather days: Guests may take an easy 60-minute hike on the hills in front of the glacier to get up-close views of the icefield landscape.

On poor weather days: Follow your guide’s arrangement to view the glacier from a distance, with an extra stop at Waterfowl Lake added to the itinerary.

• Breakfast: Additional order available; Lunch: Chinese or Western lunch boxes from The Crossing can be purchased at your own expense; Dinner: At your own arrangement
• Chateau Jasper / Tonquin Inn / Lobstick Lodge / Jasper Inn & Suites in Jasper Town or similar
• Things to Know
  • The arrival time in Banff is subject to change depending on the schedule of activities, and we appreciate your understanding.

Day 6: Jasper - Medicine Lake - Maligne Lake - The Crossing - Bow Lake - Banff / Calgary

Maligne Lake

Maligne Canyon

Banff Town Area

Calgary

Jasper Town

Medicine Lake

Bow Lake

# Itinerary:

Jasper – Medicine Lake – Maligne Lake (Optional 90-minute lake cruise at your own expense) – Lunch at Maligne Lake (At your own expense, 45 minutes) – The Crossing – Bow Lake (20 minutes) – Banff / Calgary

Depart from your hotel in Jasper and pass by Medicine Lake. At the far end lies Maligne Lake, the world’s second-largest glacial lake. Board the seasonal Maligne Lake Cruise (at your own expense)* and drift across the 22-kilometre-long lake to slowly approach Spirit Island, known as "the meeting place of the gods". After the optional lunch at Maligne Lake, head to Maligne Canyon*, the longest and deepest canyon in the Rocky Mountains. (Due to the 2024 wildfires, this stop may be replaced with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Lake Beauvert depending on national park opening conditions.) Carved by glacial erosion, the canyon features deep, craggy rock walls and breathtaking scenery. Afterwards, travel south along the Icefields Parkway, stop for a rest at The Crossing, then make a photo stop at expansive Bow Lake before driving south back to Banff or Calgary.

*Operating hours for the optional Maligne Lake Cruise: May 29 to October 11. Schedules are subject to change based on lake ice melt conditions. When the cruise is unavailable, the alternative itinerary includes Pyramid Lake (45 minutes) and Patricia Lake (15 minutes).

Due to the 2024 wildfires, Maligne Canyon* may be substituted with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Lake Beauvert (30 minutes total) subject to national park opening status.

• Breakfast: Available for pre-order; Lunch: Available for pre-order; Dinner: At your own expense
• Things to Know
  • Please kindly understand that the arrival times in Banff and Calgary are subject to change depending on the schedule of activities.
  • If you need to catch a flight departing Calgary on the same evening, please book domestic flights taking off after 21:30 or international flights taking off after 22:30 to avoid disrupting your travel itinerary.